NEWS / 15 Apr / Brussels: EPALE Launch Conference

The Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe (EPALE), funded under the Erasmus+ programme, aims to become the main reference point for adult learning professionals in Europe. It offers a place to meet and discuss important adult learning topics, as well as to exchange ideas and materials to support professional practice. This type of community platform is the first of its kind for the sector of adult learning. The development of EPALE, a European Commission initiative, implemented with the support of the Executive Agency (EACEA), began in early 2014. Key EPALE features became operational throughout late 2014 and early 2015. The site now offers a pan European Calendar of events, a Newsroom, a Resource Centre and five Thematic Pages which focus upon topics important in the Adult Learning Sector. EPALE is still developing – it is a community site and as the community grows the site will continue to develop. As the platform nears completion we would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to EPALE and demonstrate how you can get involved in shaping the platform to meet your needs and those of the sector right across Europe. The EPALE Launch Conference will take place in Brussels on 15 April and will welcome more than 250 policy makers, experts and practitioners from national and European institutions and organisations. During Lunch there will be an exhibition, showcasing the work of each EPALE National Support Service. There will also be the opportunity for you to provide your organisations promotional materials for inclusion in this exhibition. If you would like to be included in the exhibition, please provide further details when registering. The event will take place in English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish. We are pleased to announce that keynote speakers include: Opening by Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport;Michel Servoz, European Commission, Director-General: Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion;Alan Tuckett OBE, President of the International Council for Adult Education;Ulf-Daniel Ehlers, Vice?President for Quality and Academic Affairs at the Baden Wurttemberg?State University in Stuttgart, Germany;Graciela Sbertoli, Chair of the European Basic Skills Network (EBSN).